Scout's Take: Detroit Lions
Underrated: Ziggy Ansah
Ansah is a known commodity, but he doesn't get the credit he deserves. Guys speak of Von Miller and J.J. Watt, but they need to throw Ansah into that same conversation. He causes left tackles fits. His physical testing numbers were special, but he brings them to the field with him too. Some guys have the height/weight/speed but can't move and react. Ansah has come a long way in a short period of time.
Overrated: Marvin Jones and Golden Tate
Both these players are solid No. 2 receivers who have demonstrated to this point that they can play with great players—Jones with A.J. Green in Cincinnati, and then Tate has had his best years as a Lion with the coverage tilted to Calvin Johnson’s side. But they’re not even in the upper echelon of No. 2 receivers. Neither offers that same type of catch consistency or ability to attack the deep area of the field.
Extra Point
Matthew Stafford's comment that the Lions will be better this season without Calvin Johnson is a bunch of baloney. When you lose a difference maker like that, it has an impact on how defensive coordinators think when they are game planning on Tuesdays. Johnson kept many of those guys up trying to figure out how to solve his riddle. Tight end Eric Ebron isn't ready to be that guy yet. Even put all together, these players don’t equal the type of explosive playmaker that Johnson was on his own. I get that Stafford was likely just trying to compliment the teammates he has now, but I almost felt it was disrespectful.
